Love of the Game (Paperback)
Language: English
Published by Pitch Publishing Ltd, Hove, 2026
- Softcover
- New

Seller: CitiRetail, Stevenage, United KingdomCitiRetail
AbeBooks seller since June 29, 2022
Condition: New
US$ 22.03
Quantity: 1 available
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Paperback. Ricky Hill grew up beneath the shadow of Wembley Stadium, where he sold programmes at England games as a boy. When he was seven, he was told by a teacher that only two in every hundred boys could possibly make it as a professional footballer. Ricky told her he would be one of the two. Ten years later, this gifted midfielder scored on his debut for Luton Town. Ricky stayed with Luton for 14 years, made 508 appearances and became a club legend. Emerging at a time when racism was rife, he was only the fourth black player to represent England. Later, as a coach, he had to fight to smash down barriers holding back black managers, and devised an equivalent of the NFL's 'Rooney Rule' to help BAME applicants secure senior coaching jobs in English football. While Ricky has won trophies and awards overseas, he has been overlooked in this country. In Love of the Game, he tells the shocking story behind his short spell in charge of Luton, and reveals just how much the football decision-makers in England have ignored him and other black coaches. Ricky Hill was a legend at Luton and became only the fourth black player to represent England. As a coach, he has won trophies and awards overseas but has been overlooked in his home country. In Love of the Game, he lifts the lid on how the decision-makers in English football have ignored him and other black coaches. Explosive and revelatory! Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.…
Seller Inventory # 9781836804864
- Title
- Love of the Game (Paperback)
- Author
- Ricky Hill
- Publisher
- Pitch Publishing Ltd, Hove
- Publication year
- 2026
- Condition
- new
- Binding
- Paperback
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 1836804865
- ISBN 13
- 9781836804864
From Wembley’s shadow to the international stage and a lifelong fight for fairness, this is the inspiring story of Ricky Hill, one of English football's most important pioneers. A Luton Town legend and only the fourth black player to represent England, Hill's career was defined not only by his talent on the pitch but also by his determination to challenge barriers and create opportunities for those who followed.
Rising from humble beginnings and boyhood dreams of football greatness, Ricky Hill went on to make 508 appearances for Luton Town, becoming one of the most influential players in the club's history. Along the way, he confronted racism, broke new ground for black footballers and earned recognition on the international stage. Beyond his playing career, Hill became a passionate advocate for change within the game, campaigning for greater diversity in coaching and management and helping develop a UK equivalent of the Rooney Rule to improve opportunities for BAME coaches.
- Charts Ricky Hill's remarkable journey from selling programmes at Wembley to becoming a Luton Town icon
- Relives fourteen seasons, 508 appearances and unforgettable moments in a distinguished playing career
- Explores the realities of life as one of England's pioneering black international footballers
- Examines the racism and obstacles faced throughout his career in football
- Reveals his campaign to improve opportunities for black and minority ethnic coaches
- Offers an inspiring story of resilience, leadership and lasting impact on the game
Honest, courageous and uplifting, this is far more than a football autobiography. It is the story of a player, coach and campaigner whose influence extended well beyond the touchline.
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CitiRetail
Stevenage, United Kingdom
AbeBooks seller since June 29, 2022
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